When Chandrakant Pandit decided to part ways with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on July 31, the reports claimed that the former bowling coach of the Indian side, Bharat Arun, would work for the new franchise. Many reported that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will get the chance, but it has been confirmed that the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have earned his services.

He had a successful stint with the IPL 2024 champions, including four years for the franchise, starting from 2022. None of the parties involved, KKR, LSG, and Arun, decided to comment on the development as Cricbuzz reported the fresh news. He has signed a two-year deal with the Sajiv Goenka-owned side for a role that will require him to work with the players throughout the year.

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The induction of Arun in the side means that Lucknow is unlikely to continue with the former left-arm pacer, Zaheer Khan, the mentor of the Rishabh Pant-led side last season. It was reported in the past that Zaheer had a one-year contract with the side, and the management is reviewing the deal. Justin Langer is also expected not to stretch his time.

Lucknow Super Giants hire Bharat Arun as bowling coach before IPL 2026

The Kolkata Knight Riders have taken huge pride in their coaching staff getting promoted to the national side in some shape or form. Gautam Gambhir, Ryan Ten Doeschate, and Abhishek Nayar got the contract for the Indian side, while Brandon McCullum, Trevor Bayliss, and physio Kamlesh Jain were among others to join the England side.   

Bharat Arun and KKR have parted ways amicably. Dwayne Bravo, the mentor of the side, is also expected to end his tenure before the new season. The former West Indies captain is also among the coaching management of the Knight Riders’ family in the Major League Cricket for the Los Angeles side. It had been reported that the principle was conveyed to Arun, who asked the franchise for getting released.

Kolkata finished in the eighth position in the points table of the IPL 2025. They played 14 games in the group stage of the competition with five victories and seven defeats at a net run rate of -0.305.